Artist description Mento Buru is an explosive 8-piece band that cleverly combines Jamaican SKA, rock, latin jazz, funk and reggae. This eclectic mixture creates a refreshing new musical experience not soon to be forgotten. Since it's inception in 1991, Mento Buru's sound has excited audiences of all ages. The charisma, stage exhibition and diverse musical skills of the band have built their loyal following. What started out as just a bunch of friends jamming for backyard parties, has evolved into a cross-cultural phenomenon in the streets of Bakersfield. Born during the year when grunge and depression were the fashion, Mento Buru didn't care. It wasn't about trends and trying to be cool, it was about having fun playing the music we love, not the latest fad. You may have heard about the "Bakersfield Sound", but let us introduce you to the NEW Bakersfield Sound. Whether you're into Punk, Country, Rockabilly, Cumbia, Salsa, Reggae, Ska, Oi!, Emo, Goth, Metal or whatever weird names they come up with next, you'll find yourself welcome at the Mento Buru show. As always, musicians are always welcome to join in. Music for the people, by the people. Try it, you'll like it! So, in the immortal words of P-Funk master George Clinton, "You gon' dance sucka!"

Music Style Worldbeat / Ska / Reggae / Funk / Mambo / Salsa / Jazz / Swing / Punk

Musical Influences Anybody and Everybody...believe it!!

Similar Artists Oingo Boingo, Ozomatli, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Fishbone, Sublime, Long Beach Dub All Stars, Madness, The Specials, Jump With Joey

Artist History Mento has been gigging non-stop since '91 and shows no sign of stopping. They've stolen the show at numerous festivals, concerts, and showcases of every kind. This band lives to play live and always gives the audience everything it has boiling in it's stew of rhythm!! Mento Buru has opened and performed with WAR, Ozomatli, Poncho Sanchez, Fishbone, Pete Escovedo, Malo, Desmond Dekker, The Skatalites, and a slew of other Reggae, Salsa, and Ska legends... Performance venues include Johnny Depp's Viper Room (Hollywood), B.B. King's Blues Club (Universal City), LATV Live! (Los Angeles), Temple Bar (Santa Monica), The Lounge (West Hollywood), SOhO (Santa Barbara), The Roxy (Hollywood), The Whiskey (Hollywood), Buck Owens Crystal Palace (Bakersfield), CSUB Jazz Festival (Bakersfield), SLO Brewery (San Luis Obispo), La Luz De Jesus Gallery (Hollywood),Wilson Theatre (Fresno), Las Palmas Theatre (Hollywood), Fox Theater (Bakersfield), The Centennial Garden (Bakersfield), Buffalo Club (Los Angeles), Luna Park (Hollywood), and Linda's Dollhut in Anaheim, Ca.--- One of the most conspicuous musical success stories of the decade, Mento Buru have proven that total creative commitment, hard work and determination really can take a band all the way to the top and keep them there. Now a local staple on the Central Valley music scene, their great songwriting and seamless ensemble playing has brought the Bakersfield-based octet to the peak of their profession, as well as creating enough momentum to catapult them into the New Year with some of the best music of their career. The self-titled release "Mento Buru" has brought the band back full circle with their eclectic mixture and unrelenting influences. Self sponsored touring has earned them a fervent following across Central, Coastal, and Southern California. The group regularly performs every musical function and their intense, high-energy concerts have made them one of the most popular live draws in the city.

Group Members Matt Munoz-Lead Vox/Tenor Sax/Percussion, Scott Thompsett-Alto Sax, Flute/Backing Vox, Paul Perez-Sax, MB Cotton-Drums, Caleb Moore-Bass, Robert Martinez-Congas/Timbales, Dave Rodriguez-Bongos, Dennis Hamm-Keyboards, Rudy Parris-Guitar.

Instruments Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Bass Trombone, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion (Congas, Timbales), Drums.

Albums No Dancing Please (Moon Ska, 1997) , Mento Buru (Self-Titled) (Parkway Records, 2001), Double Jeopardy (The Single) (Parkway Records, 2000),

Press Reviews "You want fierce? You better believe it!" - LA WEEKLY" "There's so much good ska happening in California right now, ska that is strong and healthy regardless of how big Cali ska-pop gets, and it's MOON's pleasure to find the best bands of it to introduce to the rest of the world. We're proud to release the debut CD from one of California's premier ska bands, Mento Buru"-(1997) Moon Ska Records."These guys play ska with spice. Hot and tangy, and sure to burn the tongue, these guys serve up a special blend of ska that is sure to please. The music will make you dance and have fun, and will also make you feel warm inside from all the pretty images of islands and tropical drinks that will form. After listening to the CD you might even jump on a plane and get that much needed vacation, bringing along your Mento Buru "No Dancing Please!" CD of course! I'll give this CD an A-." -Alex Steininger, www.inmusicwetrust.com. "Their debut disc (No Dancing Please!, 1997), opened with a jangly , jazzy little instrument dawdle and evolved into a sophisticated ska album with adept shops and a pretty polished vibe. It sounded like a pretty Sunday morning on the patio. The NEW album (Mento Buru) though, sounds like its been up all night drinking, woke up at 5 the next morning and settled down to five cups of coffee before heading out to a party. In short, it sounds more Mento."-Chris Page, The Bakersfield Californian. "There's no doubt about it. You can't go wrong with Mento Buru--they are a group of wise musicians that will always entertain you." -Ireno Rodriguez, Reggae Nucleus Magazine, "Caution: Listening to Mento Buru's self-titled CD at home may cause you to invite all your friends over, push the furniture aside, and dance until the neighbors call the cops." - CSUB Runner, "Itıs unfair to send me a Ska track ("Wet Dream / Sally Brown LIVE") to review as I love the stuff and canıt say a bad word about it. Most Ska bands are tight (Lets face it you have to be) and Mento Buru are no exception, with the typically semi-arrogant front man and good times had by all.... Oh Come on how can you not love the stuff?!"-Chinchilla Music, "Mento Buru play third wave ska with traditional, jazz, rock and well yeah, I guess a bit of a calypso mento influence. The thing that I like about this is they obviously have a hell of a lot of talent. They almost sound like a bunch of session musicians got together to put out a ska record, don't let that put you off though. Cool songs on "No Dancing Please!" include "Setbacks", "Slick" and "Swank" (a skankin' swing number, hence the name)."-DT, Online Ska Review (Yahoo), "Bakersfield ska party band Mento Buru has hit the top of The Californian's annual readers' "Best Of" award for top local band so many times, it's practically earned a reserved parking space. And considering how many times the group gets mentioned here, you'd think I was earning a commission for every mention. Here's why Mento gets such constant praise: After more than 12 years of pumping out reggae-fueled ditties in town, the group still knows how to put on a fresh, fun show. Lately, the band has been playing steady gigs at 8 p.m. Saturdays at Amigo's Cantina (8020 District Blvd., 398-1300) -- for fans and a surprising number of new converts to the mento-licious sounds of the usually eight-member group. I caught the band's last two Saturday shows inside the enclosed patio in front of Mexican eatery Amigo's, and both times were groovy-good. (Did you know you could swing dance to ska?) The band lent its makeshift stage to some cool guest artists, including awesome funk/jazz sax player Paul Perez (he's actually now a full-time member, according to bandleader Matt Munoz) and eclectic, electric violin player Paul Cartwright -- son of late, great local jazz guitarist Tim Cartwright."-Chris Page, The Bakersfield Californian (2/7/03).

Additional Info Compilations: Cultivation '92 (A Kick Produkt), Cultivation No. 3 (BPAC Records), Experiments in Sonic Reaction (Maniclab Media), Skauthentic, Blackpool's Ska Comp. Vol. 3&4 (Steadybeat Recordings), The Big Skang Theory (Le Silence De La Rue, French Comp.), Puro Eskanol Vol. 2 (Aztlan Records), Meanstreet Compilation 1999 (Meanstreet / Guitar Center)

Location Bakersfield, California - USA

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